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Marrakech – In line with the proactive measures and ongoing efforts undertaken by Morocco, following the royal directives to monitor and assess the epidemiological situation of the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb, chaired a meeting this Friday, August 16, with the specialized scientific committee.
The meeting focused on discussing the latest epidemiological developments at both the national and international levels, according to a press release received by Morocco World News.
During the meeting, the effectiveness of the epidemiological vigilance and monitoring system adopted in the country was reviewed and evaluated.
The system has proven its efficacy in the early detection of imported cases and ensuring immediate and effective intervention.
The minister emphasized the necessity of continuing to strengthen this system in accordance with the recommendations issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The therapeutic protocol adopted to combat mpox was also discussed, with emphasis on the need for strict adherence to the prescribed therapeutic procedures and the provision of all necessary medical supplies to ensure the treatment of potential cases in accordance with the highest standards of health safety.
The scientific committee praised the success of the current treatment protocol in Morocco, which has contributed to treating recorded cases without any severe health complications.
The meeting also addressed the importance of intensifying awareness-raising efforts for the benefit of all citizens by providing necessary preventive medical advice to limit the spread of infection.
Read also: King Mohammed VI’s Transformative Impact on Morocco’s Healthcare Sector
In this context, the minister recalled the need to strengthen communication channels with all actors in the health sector to ensure effective coordination and immediate response to any potential developments in the epidemiological situation.
He concluded the meeting by affirming the commitment of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection to continue working and coordinating with various national and international partners and bodies to ensure the protection of public health and limit the spread of this epidemic.
This meeting comes in the wake of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the rapid spread of mpox in Africa a global health emergency on Wednesday.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the current outbreak constitutes a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC), with more than 14,000 cases recorded globally this year, including 524 deaths.
Morocco has had a proactive national plan in place since June 2022, which has enabled the detection of 5 cases up until March of this year, most of which were imported and did not result in secondary infections among contacts.
The cases were also characterized as being medically mild and recovered completely without any complications.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection renewed its call for all citizens to exercise responsibility and vigilance, urging everyone to adhere to the adopted health guidelines and to rely on official sources for information.
